Peripheral neuropathy decisions — 2016

The Board has denied the Veteran's claims for service connection for diabetes mellitus type II, hypertension, and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities as there is no evidence to support a finding that these conditions were incurred or aggravated during active service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded due to the need for additional records and for proper readjudication of his claims.

The Board has reopened the claim for service connection for PTSD and granted it. The Veteran's claims for hearing loss, diabetes mellitus, hand disorder, peripheral neuropathy of the feet, bilateral hip bursitis, skin disorder, right shoulder disorder, and alcoholic pancreatitis are all denied.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities, including her amputated left leg and bilateral foot disability, result in a need for the aid and attendance of another person. She is also entitled to specially adapted housing or special home adaptation grant due to her severe lower extremity disabilities.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA treatment records and scheduling a VA neurologic evaluation.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities render him unemployable, and the Board finds that he meets the criteria for a TDIU.

The Board has granted service connection for peripheral neuropathy of the upper and lower extremities, as well as sleep apnea associated with PTSD, all due to exposure to herbicides while deployed in Vietnam.

The Veteran's claims for higher initial ratings for peripheral neuropathy of the left and right upper extremities, as well as his acquired psychiatric disability, were denied. The Veteran's service-connected hemorrhoids claim was also denied.,The Veteran's service-connected peripheral neuropathy of the left upper extremity is currently rated at 20% from October 10, 2013.

The Veteran's service-connected disabilities prevent him from maintaining substantially gainful employment, warranting a TDIU rating.

The Veteran's sleep apnea and lumbar spine disability are service-connected, with the latter being secondary to his preexisting condition. The bilateral lower extremity neuropathy is also service-connected as it is proximately due to the lumbar spine disability.

The Veteran's claims for service connection for a lumbar spine disability and peripheral neuropathy of the bilateral upper and lower extremities are being remanded due to outstanding VA treatment records and the need for additional medical opinions.

The Board granted a 10 percent rating for neurological impairment of the right lower extremity, which approximates moderate incomplete paralysis of the superficial peroneal nerve.

The Veteran's Grave's Disease and Thyroid Disability are service-connected.,Hypertension, COPD/emphysema, Peripheral Neuropathy of the Upper and Lower Extremities, Acquired Psychiatric Disability (other than PTSD), Right Shoulder Disability, Stomach Disability, and Neck Disability have not been found to be related to his military service.

The Veteran's appeal is being remanded for additional development, including obtaining VA and SSA records, scheduling appropriate examinations, and readjudicating the claims.

The Veteran's unauthorized medical expenses for a toe fracture incurred in 2013 are approved, as the injury was deemed to be of such severity that prompt treatment was necessary and VA facilities were not feasibly available.

The Board has remanded the case due to incomplete records and an inadequate VA examination. The Veteran's claims for sleep apnea, diabetes mellitus, type II, and peripheral neuropathy are being reviewed again.

The Veteran's conditions, while serious, do not meet the criteria for special monthly pension based on need for aid and attendance or housebound status prior to May 20, 2014.

The Veteran's service connection claims for various disabilities, including an acquired psychiatric disorder and peripheral neuropathy of the lower extremities, were denied as they are not related to his periods of active duty for training (ACDUTRA).

The Board has determined that the Veteran's current low back disorder is related to his military service, including carrying heavy equipment and weapons. The remaining claims for other conditions are remanded for further development.